Palestinians stand in way of peace

Tom Ellis’ letter (“Recognize rights of Palestinians,” Jan. 6) alleging that Gaza “increasingly resembles a concentration camp” intentionally used provocative language but could not be more factually incorrect. There are parts of Gaza, especially along its beautiful Mediterranean coast, that resemble Miami Beach, Fla., where people enjoy a lifestyle that many Americans would envy if they saw it.

The basic human right that everyone on this planet should enjoy is to live in peace and security, without fear of indiscriminate violence from their neighbors. Morally, ethically and practically that is more basic than the rights Mr. Ellis claims are denied to Palestinians.

I doubt Israel wants to spend most of its national budget on its military, to protect its citizens from terror attacks, but until Palestinians recognize Israel’s right to exist as a Jewish homeland, there is an impenetrable barrier to peace. It takes two partners to make peace and, until that happens, certain civil rights may have to be sacrificed to security.